Loyal Marine to receive PMA alumni award

FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO City – Marine Corps commandant Maj. Gen. Librado Ladia takes center stage today at festivities here marking the 51st anniversary of his unit.

Ladia, earlier reported to being enticed to join a coup plot against the Arroyo administration, will be conferred the PMA alumni Achievement Award with the traditional trooping of the so-called "long gray line" and the pass-in review at the Borromeo Field of his alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Ladia will later have lunch with the cadets, with PMA assistant Superintendent Brig. Gen. Eduardo Purificacion making the introduction on behalf of his boss, Maj. Gen. Rufo de Veyra who is currently on a tour of military academies in the United States.

Also highlighting the day-long affair is a Marine tactics demonstration, the Marine drum and bugle corps exhibition and the cadets’ silent drill.

Capping the affair is a "Marine Ball" and cake-cutting ceremony in the evening.– Aurora Alambra